by Sohail Ashraf

Created on: July 14, 2009   Last Updated: July 17, 2009

Islamic traditions and culture stem from the set of beliefs and value system taught by Quran and Sunnah. These beliefs when translated into action by a society in large, are commonly regarded as Muslim traditions or culture. It may however be objectionable for some Muslims to label them as traditionalist; rather they feel pride in being recognized as followers of Islam.

How to keep Muslim traditions alive in non Muslim countries? This question may be comprehensively answered in simple words, keep practicing Islam. Islam is religion of eternity that stands valid without regards to the bindings of time and space. Even a single Muslim living in a community is able to practice Islam without any difficulty. Why so? It is not a tradition for a Muslim but his faith that forms his way of life.

The critics of Islam often raised the debates whether Islam was spread by sword or otherwise. Honest evaluation of history and psychology reveals that it was fair dealings and impressive characters of Muslims living in or visiting non-Muslim countries that convinced so many non-believers to convert to Islam. The locals were often impressed by the Muslim values of equality, justice, honesty, fair play, modesty and humility etc. They would ask Muslims, what made you so pure in your character and dealings? They would answer; we were in worst state of moral affairs before embracing Islam, anything you find good in us comes from the teachings of Islam. And guess what? The locals would convert without much further arguments. This fact signifies the role of Muslims living in non-Muslim countries.

Islam does not recognize geographical or racial distinctions. All Muslims together form a unified Muslim Ummah from East to West, North to South. So what could be called as Muslim tradition? Their way of dressing, their way of celebrating and mourning, their approach towards social rights and duties, in short, their way of living, ie Islam. A good Muslim would not call a specific dressing style his tradition; rather he would signify the principles of Islamic clothing as his value. Likewise, it is the wisdoms and principles behind Islamic code of conduct that must be represented not the diversified apparent application of Islamic value systems.

A Muslim, today living in non-Muslim country may be playing two roles. Foremost role is of being a Muslim and secondary role is of representing his Muslim nation i.e. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Malaysia etc. He must bear in mind that his actions would also define both the identities. Any thing that is not Islamic, and practiced in his native country as a local culture, should not be represented as anything to do with Muslims as a whole. This would save Muslim Ummah from a lot of misconceptions developed by some less aware critics of Islam.

In summation, it is emphasized that Muslims living in non-Muslim countries have heavy responsibility of representing Islam through their moral behaviour and conduct based upon Islamic principles. They are our peace ambassadors in those countries. So what should they do? Simply keep practicing Islam as it ought to be.

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